Teens Knock Woman to Ground in Santee Robbery

Two 18-year-old suspects were arrested in Santee Friday night after they knocked a 65-year-old woman to the ground in an attempt to steal her purse, deputies confirmed.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSO) said two young men – Cosmin Badiu and Grant Shaffer – approached a woman near her car at 214 Town Center Parkway at around 6:40 p.m.

One of the teens knocked the woman to the ground and tried to take her handbag, detectives said. The woman struggled with the teen over the purse. After the fight, the suspect ran to a vehicle and took off, with the other teen also inside the car.

Deputies were called to the area. While investigating, deputies found the vehicle the teens were spotted in parked near the Costco on Town Center Parkway. The car had been abandoned, and deputies learned it had been reported stolen out of Arizona.

Shortly thereafter, both suspects were seen by deputies on foot near Costco. One suspect ran, the SDSO said, and was later captured on Riverview Parkway and arrested.

The SDSO said both Badiu and Shaffer were booked into San Diego Central Jail on multiple counts, including robbery, elder abuse, vehicle theft, and, in Badiu’s case, even possession of metal knuckles. Both suspects are slated to appear in court on Wednesday.

Deputies said the victim suffered injuries in the robbery and assault. She was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

 

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